Mesagne (source: Visual Puglia )
Mesagne sits in the inland part of the province of Brindisi. Its name means “city in the middle” given to its due to its position halfway between Brindisi and Oria, along the Via Appia. The city was founded by the Messapi in the 5th century BC, with the name of Metania, it then became Mesania under the Romans. Much later, it was the Normans who fortified it and built a defensive castle, which however, was not able to save it from destruction by the Saracens under orders from the Swabian Manfred, at that time allied with the Angevins, who wanted to punish the city for its loyalty to the Pope. In 1256. two years after its destruction, the same Manfred gave orders for Mesagne to be rebuilt, reinforcing the walls and castle. Feudalism was not particularly severe for Mesagne, primarily towards the end of the feudal regime, decreed by Giuseppe Bonaparte and Murat, when Vincenzo Imperiali, a popular, cultured politician governed the city. Under Bonaparte the city became the capital of the district and during the years of the Risorgimento it was the seat of the circle of Giovine Italia and activity of a Carbonaro group.
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In Brindisi province, stones and buildings tell the story of this land. Appia and Traiana roads once connecting the city to Rome left their traces on modern roads. In this city, where Virgil died, there are the remains of two II –century columns that marked the end of Appia road. The Norman – Swabian and Angevin marks also prevails in the inland area of province and former Messapi land, while it is even more evident in Mesagne, Oria and Ceglie Messàpica castles. In this area, natural landscape is characterized by ravines and caves shaped through centuries by the patient work of rivers. Rock witnesses of basilian monk civilizations can be found near Ostuni. Watch towers north of Brindisi tell the story of pirate and Saracen invasions, while the remains of ancient Egnazia Roman city can be seen in the respective archeological site.
Itria valley is characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand, These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques
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A proud, extremely loyal civilization, between the IX and VII centuries b.C. the Messapis built several settlements that were fortified with huge walls. Oria, with its characteristic castle, and Mesagne still keep witnesses that allow to reconstruct history, customs and habits of this ancient population
The coast of Brindisi area is characterized by small cities gathering around their historical centers, overlooking white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Brindisi is an example, with its huge castle emerging from the sea; Carovigno, dominated by Torre Guaceto and Ostuni, the white Mediterranean sea surrounded by olive trees and by a wonderful beach that hosts an unforgettable medieval center
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia